In a world where health and well-being are of utmost importance, staying informed about the latest medical advancements is crucial. In recent years, the battle against HIV has seen significant progress, and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, has proved one of the most effective medications to prevent HIV.

If you do not have HIV symptoms and signs but are at high risk of catching the virus, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) might be an effective option for you. You can significantly lower your risk of contracting HIV by taking this medication once daily.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, also known as PrEP drug, is a once-daily drug used to stop the spread of HIV cases. It is intended for those who do not currently have HIV but are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.

PrEP medication helps reduce your risk of getting HIV by preventing you and your partners from being infected. They are highly effective at preventing HIV cases when taken regularly.

Continue reading to learn more about PrEP medications, how they reduce the risk of developing HIV, potential adverse effects, and other relevant information.

Preexposure prophylaxis is referred to as PrEP medicine. It is a preventative measure for those who don’t have HIV but are at higher risk of getting it. Antiretroviral drugs found in PrEP medications reduce a person’s chance of contracting HIV if they are exposed to the virus.

Antiretroviral drugs operate by inhibiting HIV symptoms in women or men from reproducing in the body. Currently, only three antiretroviral drugs have been approved to prevent HIV. Two of these are taken orally, while one is administered via injection.

Various PrEP drug options! 

PrEP Truvada – Truvada medication is one type of oral PrEP. It is a drug called emtricitabine in conjunction with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. It is a treatment option for persons who are at a higher risk of catching HIV through intercourse or injection drug use.

Descovy – It is an additional oral PrEP brand. Emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide are the two drugs involved. It is a choice for those who have a higher risk of getting HIV through intercourse. However, it hasn’t received FDA approval for using receptive vaginal sex to prevent HIV. 

Apretude – It is a brand name for injectable PrEP. The drug is known as cabotegravir. It is permitted for those who run the risk of acquiring HIV through intercourse. It must be managed by a healthcare expert every two months.

You can easily get these HIV PrEP drugs from a hospital drugstore in Houston or even a community pharmacy in Houston.

Dosage & effectiveness of PrEP medicines! 

The recommended dosage of PrEP Truvada and Descovy for PrEP is one pill taken every day with or without food. For best protection, the tablet must be taken each day.

The medicine may take up to three weeks to reach its highest protective concentration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that depending on the mechanism of transmission, this can change:

• Anal sex: 7 days of continuous use
• Vaginal sex: continuous use for 21 days
• Use of injectable drugs: continuous use for 21 days

Apretude is first given as two injections for initiation separated by one month, and then every other month after that. Each shot contains 600 milligrams.

If used daily, oral PrEP Pills (Descovy and Truvada medication) decrease the risk of HIV from sexual contact by 99%, according to the CDC.

Oral PrEP drugs lower the risk amongst injecting users of over the counter drugs by at least 74%. Additionally, studies have demonstrated that long-acting injectable PrEP (Apretrude) is more efficient than daily oral PrEP at lowering the risk of acquiring HIV through sexual contact.

Quick Tip:– Make sure to buy it only from a reliable Community pharmacy or drugstore. 

Who & When to take PrEP medications? 

The CDC advises that PrEP drugs be taken into consideration for HIV-negative individuals who have engaged in anal or vaginal intercourse within the previous six months and:

• Having a sexual relationship with HIV (particularly if the partner has an unknown or detectable viral load), 
• or have not consistently worn a condom, 
• or have had a sexually transmitted disease (STD) identified during the last six months.

PrEP medications are also advised for non-HIV injecting drug users who:

• sharing needles, syringes 
• or other injecting equipment with someone who has HIV.

PrEP drugs should also be considered for those who have taken non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) but do not have HIV.

• Report continuing risky behavior 
• or have taken several PEP courses

Speak with your healthcare professional if you believe PrEP pills may be the correct choice for you.

To conclude 

In conclusion, throughout this comprehensive exploration of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention, we have covered a wide array of essential topics. From understanding the basics of PrEP to exploring its different types and dosages, we hope you have gained information about the effectiveness of this medication for HIV prevention. 

Moreover, we have emphasized the importance of awareness and accessibility, recognizing that widespread knowledge of PrEP’s benefits is critical for reaching those who can benefit from it the most. 

So, to get the most out of it, make sure to get high-quality medications from a reliable pharmacy like Scott Read Pharmacy. We are the best pharmacy in Houston, with a wide range of high-quality medications. By choosing quality products from the reliable Scott’s Pharmacy, you can maximize the potential of PrEP medicines to safeguard your well-being.

Share the information with others to spread awareness and foster a supportive environment for those considering PrEP medications.